Big Tech will lose one of its most ardent critics in the House when Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) retires from Congress in June. But his departure also marks a blow to the LGBT community he championed on Capitol Hill.
Cicilline’s decision to step down to lead the Rhode Island Foundation, announced on Tuesday, came as a surprise to many Democrats, who praised his 12 years championing antitrust and gun safety legislation in the House.
The lawmaker, known for his media savvy and willingness to take on Republicans, has served as a counterweight to the conservative firebrands on the Judiciary Committee and is known for drafting the first articles of impeachment against then-President Donald Trump after Jan. 6. He ultimately served as a manager during the former president’s second impeachment.
Cicilline, a vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, quickly rose through House Democrats’ ranks, at one point leading their messaging arm.
As a gay man, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBT representation. When he mounted a last-minute bid for House Democrats’ No. 4 leadership spot in November, briefly challenging Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) in the process, he cited the lack of gay representation in the upper echelons of the caucus.
His party is already lamenting the loss, lauding him as a “relentless champion” for Rhode Island.
DAVID CICILLINE TO RESIGN FROM CONGRESS, OPENING SEAT IN RHODE ISLAND
“When I announced my candidacy for Congress back in 2019, David Ciciline was the first Member of Congress to endorse me. I owe him the greatest debt of gratitude for everything he has done to foster the next generation of LGBTQ leadership in the US. I am but a small part of the enormous legacy he leaves behind,” Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) told the Washington Examiner. “David is one of the most accomplished members of Congress, with a record ranging from antitrust reform to LGBTQ Equality to the Trump impeachment. His departure is an incalculable loss for Congress as an institution.”
Several colleagues cited Cicilline’s work on gun control legislation. In 2016, his LGBT advocacy converged with his work on gun safety after the Pulse nightclub shooting in which 49 people died at a gay nightclub in Florida. He helped organize a 26-hour sit-in on the House floor.
“David was a fearless and effective voice for LGBTQ rights, gun safety legislation, and strengthening democratic principles. He will be missed,” Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) told the Washington Examiner.
Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI) added, “It’s a really big loss, not just for Congress but for me personally. He’s a really good friend. He’s been an incredible leader on LGBTQ issues and many others, gun safety in particular.”
Cicilline has often taken the lead on progressive legislation, including his efforts on the Equality Act, which prohibits LGBT discrimination.
“Cicilline is a progressive champion. A leader on antitrust reform. A tireless fighter for LGBTQ rights who introduced the Equality Act — and led the House to pass it twice,” the House Progressive Caucus tweeted. “In Congress and on our CPC Executive Board, he will be deeply missed. Congratulations, Congressman!”
The Rhode Island Democrat would work with Republicans on antitrust issues relating to Big Tech companies such as Google and Facebook. He’s the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law, where he’s pressed for legislation tackling anti-competitiveness in the digital markets. He’s worked with Republicans on these efforts, earning him bipartisan praise.
In a farewell statement, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) outlined Cicilline’s accomplishments as an “effective and thoughtful” legislator.
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“David has been a leading advocate for LGBTQ Americans in the fight for full equality under the law and he has led House Democrats in our efforts to get weapons of war off of our streets to end the gun violence epidemic once and for all,” Jeffries said. “He has been a dedicated defender of our democracy as a senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee and on the floor of the United States Senate as an impeachment manager during the second impeachment of Donald J. Trump.”
Cicilline will depart Congress on June 1, which will trigger a special election to replace him. He said, “The chance to lead the Rhode Island Foundation was unexpected, but it is an extraordinary opportunity to have an even more direct and meaningful impact on the lives of residents of our state.”
Marisa Schultz contributed to this report.
